The idea of public camp grounds to accommodate Yosemite visitors became apparent about 1878. The commissioners set aside a piece of land that was part of the old LAMON property in the vicinity of the present Ahwahnee Hotel. Mr A. HARRIS was granted the position of administrator for this new venture. He grew fodder for the animals, offered stable facilities, sold provisions and rented equipment to this new breed of tourist. The HARRIS Camp Ground was the forerunner of the public auto camps, and housekeeping camps. The register , kept for comments of campers, was presented to the Yosemite Museum by the HARRIS descendants. ================== the above extracted from _100 Years in Yosemite_